Bloor News Announces a New Feature: live music guide

Bloor News Announces a New Feature: livemusicguide.ca 

Check it out for all things music in Toronto, including Open Mic listings, maps to live music venues, featured local singers/musicians and music news and reviews. 

The entertainment and writing communities were saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Webb-Procter aka ‘Gary17’, widely respected musician, critic and Editor of East York Chronicle late last year. Gary’s death didn’t just leave a hole in the hearts of his friends, family, readers and fans, it left a hole in the music scene. Gary took the spotlight off the bands we had already heard of and gave the lesser-known acts a chance to shine. Without his reviews, the Linsmore Tavern wouldn’t be a mecca for up-and-coming musicians, and we would never have heard of or from some incredible talent. The talent of the future deserves the same recognition that their predecessors gained from Gary’s pieces. Reviewing live music isn’t easy nowadays, but as vaccination rollouts continue, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are proud to offer our services. These are big shoes to fill, but we hope we can honour Gary’s memory by doing it justice. 

Click on the links below for some samples, and be sure to follow us on twitter at #Musicevents for future announcements, or you can find us on Facebook at Bloor News and our Instagram is VinylRecordsPressing.  We look forward to discovering hidden gems and introducing our readers to the creative talent of the future.

Twitter is MusiceventsGTA

Instagram = vinylrecordspressing

Facebook = bloornewstoronto

Go to livemusicguide.ca to post your music event

Are you a local singer or musician? 

Would you like a chance to be featured in Live Music Guide? We welcome everyone to send us a link. 

Sponsored by vinylrecordspressing.com

 

16th Annual Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy

More Exciting New and Returning Acts Announced for
16th Annual Toronto InternationalBuskerFest for Epilepsy
presented by Scotiabank
nba
 
August 27-30, 2015 throughout the Downtown Yonge Neighbourhood
 
New acts include
magician Steven Brundage, Mirror Family, Mr. B’s Joybox ExpressZap Circus
 

Toronto, ON (July 23, 2015) – Toronto’s Downtown Yonge Neighbourhood will welcome some awesome entertainers asEpilepsy Toronto, in partnership with the Downtown Yonge BIA, announces more new and returning acts at its signature fundraising event, Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy, presented by Scotiabank.The 16th edition of the festival – the largest of its kind in North America and the world’s biggest epilepsy fundraising event – runs Thursday, August 27 to Sunday, August 30, throughout the Yonge Street corridor, from Queen to College Street (which will be closed to traffic) and surrounding areas (including Yonge-Dundas Square).With more entertainers than ever before, this year’s BuskerFest – the last major festival of the summer season – promises to be the biggest and best yet. There are over 170 world-class performers in more than 70 acts from across Canada and around the globe.Last year, well over 1.5 million spectators enjoyed daredevil stunts, fire manipulations, acrobatics, aerial acts, music, magic, comedy, contortion, dance, balloon creations, mime and some acts that defied description. New this year is the Family Fun Zone with great activities for the younger kids and performances by some of the festival’s silliest buskers!Guests are asked to donate at the gate to Epilepsy Toronto. Buskers retain proceeds from “the hat” passed after their performances except for shows on the Scotiabank Stage in Yonge-Dundas Square, where each act will do a benefit performance with all proceeds going to Epilepsy Toronto. In 2014, BuskerFest raised $250,000, and Epilepsy Toronto is hoping donations exceed that this year.Among the terrific

newly announced acts coming for their first time ever to BuskerFest are:

Steven Brundage (U.S.) – This hilarious and family-friendly magician has been featured on “Good Morning America” and just over two weeks ago “fooled” Penn and Teller with his incredible Rubik’s Cube act on their hit show “Fool Us.” 

Catwall Acrobats’ Trampo Wall (Quebec) – An international troupe based in La Belle Province featuring some of the best trampoline-wall performers in the world. Trampoline-wall is a new extreme sport where acrobats jump on their backs on a trampoline and seemingly defy gravity by walking up a vertical wall over 2 storeys high.

Mirror Family (Austria/Slovakia) – Their entire bodies are covered head to toe with hundreds of mirrors, reflecting the light of the world right back upon their viewers.

Mr. B’s Joybox Express (U.S.) – A 385-lb. piano on a bicycle led by renowned blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mr. B. Powered by three riders, in 2014, Joybox completed a 1,840-mile ride along the entire length of the Mississippi River.

Zap Circus (Australia) – This internationally awarded, high-energy circus and fire duo have wowed audiences across the globe. Tarrabelle and Rusty lead audiences on a hilariously death-defying adventure, culminating in an unbelievable finale of Acrobatics, Fire and Stupidity!

Jack Miron (Toronto) – A talented young performer who juggles balls, fire, cupcakes and more while unicycling and tumbling. Catch him performing in the Family Fun Zone.

Steve Stergiadis (GTA) – This international circus artist performs a high-energy comedy show that mixes clowning, hat juggling and unicycle.

The LOL Brothers (Quebec/Peru) – Taking audiences on a tour of the history of rock ‘n’ roll music that is both graceful and unusual, brothers Acee and DeeCee perform electrifying circus numbers mixing risk and humour.

And some of the fabulous newly announced returning acts include:

Billions Cobra (Toronto) – Awash with flames, the Billions Cobra show features amazing acts of body contortion and precision whip cracking, punctuated with some creative dance moves.
Kromatik (Quebec) – Performing for over 20 years throughout North America, Europe and Asia, Kromatik has earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after body artists in the world.
Oparty (Toronto) – The ultimate party superhero, Oparty is the defender of good times and destroyer of the bad, performing fun party stunts. Guaranteed to entertain!
Pyromancer (Netherlands) – An incredible fire-breather performs an unusual fire show that mixes good laughs with spectacular flames.
USA Break Dancers – A high-energy interactive show created by former Cirque du Soleil member Julio “Klown” Santiago. Winners of 7 People’s Choice Awards at fests around the world.
Wacky Chad (U.S.) – Laugh until it hurts as stunt comedian Wacky Chad rides another person on his tiny bicycle and handstands on a skateboard.

 

Donate at the gate to Epilepsy Toronto, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping more than 40,000 Torontonians with epilepsy and their families through counselling, employment support, advocacy and education.“Every year BuskerFest gets bigger and better. Thanks to the generosity of visitors who donate at the gate to Epilepsy Toronto, we are able to provide much needed support to the 1-in-100 people in Toronto living with epilepsy,” says Geoff Bobb, Executive Director of Epilepsy Toronto. “This is one of the most amazing festivals in Canada. We are incredibly excited about all of the international and Canadian performers who make this festival come alive and who share their talents to support Epilepsy Toronto by performing at the benefit shows on the Scotiabank Stage at Yonge-Dundas Square.”Stay tuned for an announcement about the fantastic musical acts that will be featured at this year’s festival!Below find the previously announced acts.Previously announced first-time acts from Canada and around the world are:

o       Bex In Motion (Toronto) – With fire, swirls and hoops, Bex takes audiences on a journey through motion using acrobatic tricks, fire poi, double staff and multiple fire hoops.

o       Catana’s Colorful Chalk Art (U.S.) – Catana has spent the last 10 years creating artwork on paper and the last two years creating colourful artwork on pavement.

o       Funnykito Show (Brazil) – In his North American debut, Dan Marques’ award-winning performance is a captivating and enchanting comedy magic and illusion show that has made audiences cry with laughter in over 30 countries.

o       Lords of Strut (Ireland) – Winner of the 2013 Street Performers World Championship, this high energy acrobatic show, with break dancing, contortion, acrobatic ladder, acrobalance and very original comedy, is a parody of celebrity culture. Sometimes subtle, sometimes brash, but always bright, tight and incredibly funny!

o       Lulu’s World (Italy) – Appearing for the first time in North America, Lulu is a street artist who can’t be contained in any gallery. Enter her world of make believe, where magic happens right in front of you with scenes pouring from Lulu’s pen onto paper, turning the 2D world of sketching into a 3D experience for the child in all of us.

o       Jenny Jupiter (Toronto) – Jenny performs her living statue act combining mime and movement technique, unique and spectacular costumes, music and a dash of clowning.

o       Mighty Mike (Toronto) – The Strongman Juggler with fantastic feats to flabbergast you and daring displays of dexterity to dazzle you. Watch as he hammers a nail in a board with his bare hand!

o       Mute (Thailand) – Making their North American debut, this “Romantic Comedy Clown-Mime” duo tell fun and easy-to-understand stories for all ages and nationalities – sure to touch hearts.

o       Ola Muchin (Poland) – World-renowned magician and felt puppet, Osvaldo Drevno, surprises with his outlandish and incredible illusions

 

Joining these outstanding performers are previously announced returning acts:

o       Alakazam (Australia) – The “Human Knot” returns to comically contort his body and perform sky-high feats of danger and cheeky comedy.

o       Bence Sarkadi (Hungary) – This grand puppeteer’s “The Budapest Marionettes” show features a range of uniquely different marionettes in a cycle of short stories accompanied by music.

o       Chalk Chick (Toronto) – Brings the streets of Toronto colourful sidewalks, love and joy.

o       Dream State Circus (Australia) – This Aussie/English couple perform acrobalance, juggling and dynamic high skill fire manipulations; a fiery act with fiery chemistry!

o       Fireguy (Toronto) – Ever-popular entertainer who mixes skateboard tricks and fire stunts.

o       Hercinia Arts Collective (GTA) – With two performances: Gargoyles, part guerilla aerial, part human statue and part theatrical character, and their new aerial show, The Flying Machine, the story of a quirky inventor who is constantly creating new machines to propel movement in all directions.

o       Isabella Hoops (Toronto) – A circus performer whose charm, flirtatious energy and unique humour are unforgettable.

o       Kate Mior (Toronto) – Internationally acclaimed living statue with a stunning array of characters and personalities.

o       Lacey Lucidity (Toronto) – Leaves audiences mesmerized by the beauty of crystal balls as she tosses them gracefully and rolls them magically along her body.

o       MaracaTall (Toronto) – A high energy, high impact troupe of stilt drummers with choreographed moves and colourful costumes.

o       Max T. Oz (GTA) – Sleight-of-hand magic favourite.

o       Mental Floss Side Show (Toronto) – A vaudevillian duo with exhibits from the five corners of the globe.

o       Mr. Twister (Toronto) – A young man who delights thousands with amazing balloon creations.

o       Nathanial Rankin (Toronto) – International award-winning circus artist who combines state-of-the-art modern magic, juggling, mind reading, comedy, audience participation, dangerous stunts and a sharp wit.

o       Natural Wings (Australia) – Natural Wings mesmerizes as this female acrobatic trio goes high in the sky to perform a variety of aerial dances, filled with high skills, strength and grace.

o       Silver Elvis (Toronto) – Veteran festival busker, a mechanical metal man who moves for money, honey – “Thank you, thank you very much.”

o       The Giant Seagulls (Australia) – With working beaks, these pesky but lovable birds will be rummaging in bags and pockets, stealing food from plates and picnic baskets, causing chaos as usual.

o       The Sauruses (Netherlands) – All the way from the Cretaceous Period by way of modern-day Holland, these beautiful, larger-than-life dinosaurs return to fascinate and awe with their absolutely thrilling performance, just watch out for snapping dino jaws!

o       The Silent Violinist (GTA) – Combines balloons and mime, dressed in her visually stunning balloon dress with a gigantic wingspread.

o       The Twisted Ones (GTA) – Led by three-time World Champion Balloon Twister Debbie Stevens, this incredible family creates awesome balloon creations, from the tiniest ladybug to a giant gorilla.

o       Witty Look (Japan) – DAIKI, the former unicycle world champion, and his partner, the acrobat clown CHEEKY, pair up to create a comic act that is a fusion of the cartoon world and high-level unicycle skills.

o       Yo-K (Toronto) – Kohel Mintz, the yo-tastic teenager who amazes people with his mind-boggling yo-yo skills.

o       YoYo People (U.S.) – Holders of four Guinness World Records and a World Yo-Yo Champion title, this comedy duo specializing in yo-yos, hula hoops and unicycles have performed in 26 countries and have appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

WALK OFF THE EARTH at CANADIAN RADIO MUSIC AWARDS CMW 2014

WALK OFF THE EARTH at CANADIAN RADIO MUSIC AWARDS CMW 2014

Walk off the Earth is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 2006 in Burlington, Ontario, and has gained success around the world by making low-budget music videos of covers and originals. The band built its fan base independently with no help from record labels, booking agents, or management. In February 2012, the music industry publication Crazed Hits reported that the band had signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.[1] The band is best known for its covers of popular music on YouTube, making use of uncommon instruments such as the ukulele and the theremin, as well as looping samples. The band’s recorded music and videos are produced by member and multi-instrumentalist, Gianni Luminati (Giancarlo Nicassio).

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Leroy’s St Germaine Fake Charities: Danforth Music Fest Beaches Blues Festival


There are some wonderful charities out there, without whom many people would have little, if anything to celebrate this holiday season. So far, it seems you can’t go wrong with toys/food/clothing drives, donating goods or your valuable time to causes like the CHUM Christmas Wish, or the Daily Bread Food Bank. Sadly, there are Grinches out there trying to take advantage of your charitable nature, and it’s important to ensure you donations are going to the right place. Many fraud artists know how to avoid getting caught, asking for smaller donations, or asking that people purchase a ticket to something, claiming a portion of the proceeds will go towards a particular cause are common tactics. If someone asks you for money, ask for details about their organization, for their charitable organization number, the name of the founder/CEO, business address, and where you can find more information online. Hopefully this will weed out some of the fakes. Do your research- Google is a good thing, so use it and ask around. The Danforth Music Fest/Beaches Blues Festival (not to be confused with the Waterfront Music Festival!!) is an example of a “charitable organization” to watch out for. The proof that the organization no longer qualifies to distribute tax receipts is a matter of public record, yet it is business as usual for Mr. Leroy St Germaine and his minions selling tickets with the promise of “a portion of the proceeds going to charity.” That portion is LESS than 1%. There is nothing illegal about selling tickets for a music event and collecting donations with nothing more than a PRETENSE of charitable fundraising, although it is most defininitely reprehensible and behavior void of morals. Banks get to know customers, and aren’t as cautious about checking the annual validity of supposed charities before cashing their cheques… maybe the banks should be required to review which charities are still eligible to accept donations annually in order to prevent fraud. If the cheques aren’t being watched by the banks, where is the money going? If the charity is no longer registered, maybe nobody is asking for a statement- that’s scary. This is not to say that all charities are bad, or that anyone should be jaded by the bad guys, but please make sure your hard earned money goes to those who really need it!

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